As part of our school year theme, Global Explorers, the entire student body has been observing, learning and researching the life cycle and migration patterns of monarch butterflies. A fourth grade family who has milkweed in their backyard has been so kind to supply the caterpillars for this hands-on learning experience. The monarch butterfly migration to Mexico has been called “one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in the world,” and our students have taken an intense interest in this study. The excitement was palpable as the school gathered around science teacher Janie Lange to witness the first hatching and release.